science Flashcards
What is a series circuit?
A circuit where components are connected in a single path, so the same current flows through all components.
What is a parallel circuit?
A circuit where components are connected in multiple paths, allowing current to divide and flow through each branch separately.
What is one advantage of a parallel circuit over a series circuit?
If one component fails in a parallel circuit, the other components continue to work because they have separate paths for current.
How does voltage behave in a series circuit?
Voltage is divided among the components; the total voltage is the sum of individual voltages across each component.
How does current behave in a series circuit?
The current remains the same throughout the entire circuit.
How does voltage behave in a parallel circuit?
The voltage across each branch is the same as the total voltage supplied by the battery.
How does current behave in a parallel circuit?
The total current is divided among the branches, with each branch receiving a portion of the total current.
Why are bulbs in a parallel circuit brighter than in a series circuit?
In a parallel circuit, each bulb gets the full voltage of the battery, whereas in a series circuit, the voltage is divided among the bulbs.
In a 6V parallel circuit with three bulbs, what is the voltage across each bulb?
6V (each branch gets the full voltage).
In a 6V series circuit with three bulbs, what is the voltage across each bulb?
The total 6V is shared among the bulbs, so each bulb gets 2V.
In a parallel circuit with a total current of 6A, what is the current in each of the three branches?
Each branch receives 2A, assuming equal resistance in each path.
In a series circuit with three bulbs and a total current of 6A, what is the current across each bulb?
The current is the same throughout, so each bulb has 6A flowing through it.
Will bulbs be brighter in a parallel or series circuit? Why?
Bulbs are brighter in a parallel circuit because each gets the full battery voltage, unlike in a series circuit where voltage is divided.
What does an ammeter measure?
The current (amperes) flowing through a circuit.
What does a voltmeter measure?
The voltage (potential difference) across a component in a circuit.
